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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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New coolants, new fuels: A new generation of university reactors
Here’s an easy way to make aging U.S. power reactors look relatively youthful: Compare them (average age: 43) with the nation’s university research reactors. The 25 operating today have been licensed for an average of about 58 years.
Raymond L. Murray
Nuclear Technology | Volume 27 | Number 1 | September 1975 | Pages 15-17
Technical Paper | Education | doi.org/10.13182/NT75-A15931
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Nuclear reactors for dual use in training and research were established at about 50 universities in the period since 1950, with assistance by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and the National Science Foundation. Most of the reactors are in active use for a variety of educational functions — laboratory teaching of undergraduates and graduate students, graduate research, orientation of visitors, and nuclear power plant reactor operator training, along with service to the technical community. As expected, the higher power reactors enjoy a larger average weekly use. Among special programs are reactor sharing and high-school teachers’ workshops.